There are major physical risks associated with abortion. The risks vary depending on the type of abortion procedure. Some common risks of abortion include infection, heavy bleeding, and incomplete abortion.
You deserve to understand the risks fully before making up your mind about abortion. We can help you get the clarity you need about your pregnancy and options at The Pregnancy Resource Center today.
Two Types of Abortion Procedures
Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
Also known as the abortion pill, medical abortion involves a series of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol, that end an existing pregnancy.
First, mifepristone is taken, which blocks the hormone progesterone, preventing the uterus from sustaining a pregnancy and causing the fertilized egg to detach from the uterine wall. Second, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy from your body.
The Risks of Medical Abortion
There are potential risks to medical abortion, including the following:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion (this may require surgical treatment)
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
Medical abortion is only approved by the FDA for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy. Otherwise, the physical risks increase.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is often done in the second trimester and is much more invasive than a medical abortion. A surgical abortion includes anesthesia, dilating the cervix, and introducing surgical instruments to remove the pregnancy from the body.
The Risks of Surgical Abortion
Potential risks of surgical abortion include:
- Damage to the uterus or cervix
- Uterine perforation
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the drugs or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure
Confirm Important Details Before Abortion
We can help you get the clarity you need before abortion and safeguard your health with free, lab-quality pregnancy testing and a possible limited obstetrical ultrasound.
At The Pregnancy Resource Center, we care about your health and your future. Get answers today by scheduling your free appointment to get started. You are not alone.
The Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
